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The Flag Collectors Guide

(Articles kindly supplied by Peter Charalambos)

The Flag Collectors Guide Although collecting flags is not as widely publicised as other forms of collecting such as stamps and coins, collecting flags is a hobby that is steadily growing in popularity.

The study of flags is known as vexillology and can be a challenging hobby to enjoy and of course collectors may buy flags online. Flags from around the world can be found so easily on the internet that increasing a collection is easier that ever before.

These may be flags in any size, from small to very large. The following is a list of some of the terminology used regarding flags.

• Staff: also known as the flag pole or flagstaff. The term flagstaff is preferred over flagpole.

• Hoist: is the flag’s edge closest to the staff. Also this is the vertical width in regards to a flag.

• Fly: this is the flag edge farthest from the staff and sometimes means the horizontal length of the flag.

• Length: the measure of a flag from left side to right.

• Width: the measure of a flag top to bottom or down the side which is parallel to its staff.

• Field: the colour of the flags background.

• Charge: refers to any design, emblem, symbol, or figure that appears on the flag.

• Badge: refers to a coat of arms, heraldic symbol, or shield displayed on a flag.

• Fimbriation: is an edging or border separating two different colours.

• Canton: is a quarter of a flag, any quarter but normally upper left hoist area. The canton on a US flag would be the field of stars.

• Saltire: is depicted by a cross which goes from the centre out to the four corners of a flag. Scotland’s flag is an example of a saltire as the St. Andrew’s Cross covers it. Flags differ from banners and pennants due to the fact they drape downward in a relaxed fashion unless there is enough wind to unfurl them. Pennants and banners hang down straight from their horizontal mount, allowing them to constantly display whatever is adorned on them.

Flags are available on the internet from virtually every country that recognises one. The Union Jack, as well as the Irish flag, Scotland, Welsh flag, the Lion Rampant Scottish and many others representing the United Kingdom are all to be found and added to a collection, the original contruction of which is shown below. Collectors may buy flags online from every corner of the world including, an Australian flag, flags from China, Africa, or India are all available.

How about a Jolly Roger or pirate flag? These special interest flags are becoming more and more popular and that infamous skull and crossbones is a very popular addition to any vexillologists collection. Whatever the occasion there may well be a flag designed to honour it. Halloween, Christmas, New Year, Birthday flags are all available and considered welcome additions to most any collection.

Even if you're a Bob Marley fan, there is one for you. Or how about Harley Davidson motorcycles? There one of those as well. The 2010 World Cup is coming up soon, so collectors don’t want to miss out on obtaining flags representing that great series of events. There are flags from every participating country for the 2010 soccer cup competition. So buy flags online and add to your collection (or start one now).

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Flags of the World

Every country in the world, even the poorest, has its own identity, which is usually represented by its national flag. As a national symbol, you can always see these flags waving over public institutions such as town halls, plazas, schools and government agencies.

These world flags are generally respected by the nationals of each country. More often than not, these flags can also be honorary rewards for people who have performed well in serving the country. Given the different uses of this national symbol, it is just practical for anyone to know the secrets as well as the importance of knowing the meaning printed on these flags.

Every world flag has its own origin and are more commonly based on its history and culture. Discovering the essential facts about these world flags is easy to find by searching world flags on the Internet. There are numerous databases of the flags of the world available online.

These sources are highly usable for research and educational purposes and you can gain some valuable knowledge about the country prior to visiting it. Identifying these details about a flag will help you in understanding the country's culture better.

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Bunting

There are occasions that are celebrated with parties, which are adorned with patriotic and festive decorations made from paper or cloth that are generally in the form of wide streamers, draperies and other such ornaments. Such a decoration is called a bunting - and it is sometimes in the colours of the national flag, depending on the occasion.

There are a lot of designs that can be made in party buntings. Such adornments can be in the form of a flag or a pennant which can be ordered in various sizes and can be set up indoor or outdoor. For flag party requirements, you can choose from a large national flag, hand held national flag, flag card cut outs and national bunting arranged like pennants and strung on overhead spaces to add a look of patriotism to your party. These items come in full colours and made from various materials such as PVC, polyester, paper and plastic.

Ordering bunting from an online store is easier and more convenient since you can browse the available designs from the comfort of your own home or office. Planning for an occasion and shopping for all the top party essentials that are required for a successful party result can be very demanding. There are traditional sources that you can tap for such materials, but going to and from such places requires much time and effort, something that you might not have if you are working on a schedule. An online store can supply, source, design, pack and distribute your bunting direct from its warehouse. So, there is no wasted time for your orders to come through.

Bunting can also be made in a unique form. Aside from the variously designed bunting, which you can browse for on an online shop, you can contact them directly and tell them about your specifications. A store representative can talk it out with you and come out with a satisfactory design. The beauty of online shopping is that all designs are posted on the website, together with the price for each item. Foreign nationals that are celebrating a national holiday can choose from national flag buntings that were created for such an occasion. It is not only the current national colours that are themed in such designs but also historical flags which are of consequence to a particular country.

Ordered items are usually ready for next day delivery. Bunting suppliers usually require its shoppers to sign in with the site first before he can shop for a party item but once it is done, the shopping process is quite straightforward. You put a chosen item into a virtual shopping basket then go to a checkout counter. There are several shipping and payment options that are available for each site so it is easy to facilitate the transaction.